After Keir Starmer returns from China, attention will quickly shift to Greater Manchester, where the traditionally safe seat of Gorton and Denton will be contested in a by-election on February 26

The Government has already faced strong opposition over plans to repeal immunity provisions in Northern Ireland legacy legislation.

Keir Starmer this week leads a delegation of British businesses to China as he tries to rebuild relations with Beijing.

Today, Sir Keir Starmer has been meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, the first time a sitting British PM has visited China in eight years. Although a host of trade deals were announced, including visa free entry for UK travellers, there have been fewer agreements than expected from the trip.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits Beijing for a four-day visit to China aimed at repairing ties and expanding opportunities for British businesses in the world’s second-largest economy

Keir Starmer touches down in Japan as east Asia visit concludes - Sir Keir said he was looking forward to discussing defence and security with the country’s new PM, Sanae Takaichi.

In contrast to its £52bn trade deficit in goods with China in the year to the end of last June, the UK had a £10bn surplus in services, and it hopes the City’s financial and professional services firms can play a greater role in China in coming years.

Keir Starmer highlighted Donald Trump's own planned visit to Beijing after the US President was invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of 2025

Executives from Airbus, AstraZeneca and HSBC are joining Prime Minister Keir Starmer on a rare China visit, highlighting the business focus of the trip amid strained global trade relations.